Next-Gen Consoles Cannot Match PC Power, Says Crytek

Sony and Microsoft will face tough competition on launch

Despite the rumors about powerful processor and more memory, at least one developer believes that the coming generation of consoles from both Microsoft and Sony will be unable to match the computing power delivered by the mainstream PCs.

Cevat Yerli, the leader and founder of Crytek, tells Eurogamer that, “Without breaking NDAs that are in place, realistically, from purely a price point perspective, it is impossible. It’s impossible to package $2000-3000 into a mainstream, let’s say $500 console.”

He adds, “I’m not saying they are $500 consoles. They may launch a console at $2000, but the consumer pricing is usually much lower than that. So, given consumer pricing, and given the cost of production of a gamer PC and the amount of watt of power it needs, which is like a fridge, it’s impossible.”

One problem that Sony and Microsoft are facing is that, as they are locking down console architectures and moving to production, the PC market continues to evolve, delivering more powerful hardware for lower prices.

Neither of the two companies has yet revealed plans for the PlayStation 4 or the Xbox 720.

Sony is expected to reveal its device during an event that will take place late on Thursday in New York and Microsoft might make the same move before E3 2013.

The consoles are set to be available in stores during the fall of this year.

Crytek has repeatedly talked about the increasing power of the PC as a gaming space, claiming that its future titles will look better on home computers than on any console.

The company also wants to see both Sony and Microsoft accept the free-to-play business model on their devices.

At the moment, the company is getting ready to launch Crysis 3, the final piece of the trilogy that features the Nanosuit and alien enemies.